Alvarez, a Blackzilians stalwart and Bellator’s lightweight champion, was released from his contract Tuesday and signed almost immediately with UFC. He’ll meet Cerrone on Sept. 27 in Las Vegas in what is billed as the co-main event of the pay-per-view show.

For Cerrone, the hard-working crowd-pleaser who beat Edson Barboza at Amway Center in April, it’s likely a step up in opposition. Alvarez (25-3) has long been considered Bellator’s best and most marketable fighter, especially after a pair of fights with Michael Chandler in 2012 and ’13.

UFC first tried to sign Alvarez in late 2012, but Bellator matched the offer to keep him. The language of the “matching” contract sparked lawsuits and bad blood between the two companies. This week’s release, which came with one fight left on Alvarez’s Bellator deal, effectively ends that particular saga.

Cerrone, who has said he wants to fight six times in 2014, reacted immediately to the news on Twitter: “Like i said anyone! Anytime! Just say the word Thank you @ufc and danawhiteufc for keeping me active”

Green is expected to fight in November against a yet-to-be-determined opponent.